RCV '03 Movistar Rebuild

Hello all! I'm a newcomer to the forum and a novice. I've been building about 2 yrs--all motorbikes, mainly MotoGP. As I've gotten more ideas from forums such as this and gotten more comfortable with new techniques and applications I've decided to re-do some early builds. This one isn't too exciting--and I'm a bit humbled even posting it in the company of such wonderful builds as I've seen here. Anyway, I'm looking to re-do the exhaust system with All-Clad and burn staining, CF appropriate parts, re-paint the cowlings, and PE here and there. Here are some "before" pics, though the pic of the cowlings is with the new paint job:

The old paint-job was with Acryl cobalt blue. I stripped it all off with the decals and sprayed with Tamiya TS-51 (I've gotten a lot more comfortable with the spray lacquers, and they look so good when everything goes on right).

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/31933/2077255310050112770S500x500Q85.jpg

Rather than stripping the old, I put together and puttied a new exhaust system from spares:
http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/34981/2080990090050112770S500x500Q85.jpg

Here are some pics of the pre-rebuilt bike minus cowlings. The tank and grill were sprayed with All-Clad II Polished alum.
http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/31005/2196419600050112770S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/14393/2930398250050112770S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/32147/2179844280050112770S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/32774/2681283380050112770S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/15604/2080084740050112770S500x500Q85.jpg

I would really appreciate any feedback--negative, positive, or neutral. Looking forward to posting this and hearing from ya'll. (and call me Mike)
:feedback:

Mike,
It looks like you are doing a good job on the kit.....problem is the pictures are SO small that we can't really see much. You should be able to re-size them?
Welcome to the forum

Rob, Thanks for the feedback. I've finally figured out how to enlarge the pics and have edited the initial posting.:grinyes:

This looks like a very good start.
Keep it coming. :grinyes:

Hey Mike,

I saw on mail that you asked me how to post images. For some reason this question is not shown on my thread. But anyhow, I see that the problem is solved.

Ketje--I figured out how to do it and so deleted the message.:) Right now I'm wokring on the spring fastener's for the muffler--following your lead!

My progress is slow, but here's the latest: I've added spring "hooks" to the right side exhaust system. I'm not going to bother with the one under the rear cowling, since it'll be hidden (I guess I'm not that intense of a realist:frown:). Anyway, here are some pics. I used copper wire, bent it and cyano-ed it to the plastic, taking my lead completely from YOU ketje, in your Blackbird thread. Before priming I'll sand the edges of the wire where it's glued to the metal...
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/32317/2678817390050112770S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/33236/2253050120050112770S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/34842/2826900250050112770S500x500Q85.jpg

looking good Mike. What are you going to use for the springs? For my Blackbird, I used the springs from Hiroboy, these are amazing. But you can bent them yourself or maybe use some material from Wave.
:rofl:

Ketje: thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I have the Hiro springs--they do look amazing. Can't wait to finish the exhaust and get them on! BTW, I haven't looked, but do you know if the ST27 RCV PE set has spring fasteners?:rolleyes:

great build.
What will you use for the spring? Last time i tried Wave spring set in my Yamaha. I it quite strong and hard to handle but look very good.

Geronimo: thanks for the encouraging word. I love your bike builds. Do you know where I can see a pic of the WAVE spring set? The next build I'm planning is the '04 YZR Pacific GP w/ST27 transkit, so these springs might work very well.

Ketje: thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I have the Hiro springs--they do look amazing. Can't wait to finish the exhaust and get them on! BTW, I haven't looked, but do you know if the ST27 RCV PE set has spring fasteners?:rolleyes:

I can't help you with that. I find it easy to make them myself, so normally I wouldn't use these from a set. :icon16:

Geronimo: thanks for the encouraging word. I love your bike builds. Do you know where I can see a pic of the WAVE spring set? The next build I'm planning is the '04 YZR Pacific GP w/ST27 transkit, so these springs might work very well.

You can order them at http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/index.html

1012010111011,WAVE,,120yen,OP11 A-SPRING NO.1 1.0mm
1012010111012,WAVE,,120yen,OP12 A-SPRING NO.2 2.0mm

Length is 15 cm and you have to cut them at length and than bend some hooks.

http://users.telenet.be/ketjesbazaar/_private/modellen/cbr1100xx/wave%20spring.jpg

The HIROBOY springs are much easier, but these will do also.

Thanks Ketje. I'll keep this info on file for future reference. For now I'll stick with the Hiro springs, since I've one pack and another on the way...

Thanks Ketje. I'll keep this info on file for future reference. For now I'll stick with the Hiro springs, since I've one pack and another on the way...
Do you have photo from the hiro spring ? :)

Do you have photo from the hiro spring ? :)

Hey geronimo, you can see some pictures in my WIP of the Blackbird.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=710464

:grinyes:

OK Gents, a question: what do you do about PE parts that are supposed to be aluminum? Do you leave them as is or paint, or what? Also, what is your advice on painting frames that are black--do you go with Tamiya's semi-gloss black or something else?:uhoh:

OK Gents, a question: what do you do about PE parts that are supposed to be aluminum? Do you leave them as is or paint, or what? Also, what is your advice on painting frames that are black--do you go with Tamiya's semi-gloss black or something else?:uhoh:

Normally I paint the PE parts, but you can leave some as they are, like the brake discs. I always use revell Semi-Gloss black. I find this easy to spray and it gives a nice layer.:grinyes:

I like the way you are re-building this bike it looks excellent.Some really nice work, particularly the engine and rear wheel/chain area it looks very neat and well painted.I like to use Vallejo Air black for all the satin black areas.It sprays very nicely and dries really quick and is tough and will not rub off when you handle it.Just my recommendation.I'm looking forward to seeing more on your build.

Steve--thanks for the advice. Do you have a pick of a frame or somethign withthe Vallejo Air Black. Would love to see it...:grinyes:

I use Tamiya enamel semigloss black

for p/e, i usually to not paint. but in some cases if on the ref photo it is clearly visible that it differs from the p/e color than i usually use Testors metaizier colors

Do you have a pick of a frame or something with the Vallejo Air Black? Would love to see it...:grinyes:

Yes, no problem.The seat,rear mudguard and engine casings on my Suzuki Hayabusa were painted with it.

Suzuki Hayabusa

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/Suzuki%20Hayabusa/Hayabusa-onepipe012s.jpg

Better view of the seat

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/Suzuki%20Hayabusa/Hayabusa-firstdecals008.jpg

Also the frame on my Kawasaki ZX-12R.Well the bit you can see anyway!!!

Kawasaki ZX-12R

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/Kawasaki%20ZX12R/ZX12RFinished002.jpg

The engine casings on the Suzuki had a very light coat of Vallejo Gloss varnish as well,over the black which gave them more of a sheen that just the black on it's own,but the seat and rear mudguard are just the black sprayed straight from the bottle. Hope this helps.

Steve: those are beautiful bikes! The Vallejo paint looks very nice. Can I ask what you used on the Kawasaki muffler?:)

Steve: those are beautiful bikes! The Vallejo paint looks very nice. Can I ask what you used on the Kawasaki muffler?:)

Thanks!! Yes,the only part of the Kawasaki muffler that is painted is the centre of the end can which is Tamiya TS 17 (aerosol) The downpipe that goes to the engine is the original Tamiya factory chrome plating.

OK all, two questions reflecting my ignorance:
1) What do you recommend for the PE bracket on the muffler? Cutting/sanding off the molded one, or just wrapping the PE around it?
2) What ST27 CF weave pattern is best here--the "large", "medium", or "small"? I can't tell what scale these correspond to.:shakehead

Also, this is for you, Steve: what psi do I use the Vallejo paints at? Just got em.

Also, this is for your, Steve: what psi do I use the Vallejo paints at? Just got em.

I usually spray at between 20-25 psi.It depends on your airbrush so experiment a little.

Okay all, here's the latest: The yellow checker pattern on the side and bottom cowls were a killer--the decals seemed to be very fragile and cracked very easily, even after much micro sol. I know I'm a novice, but this seemed much harder than usual. Bottom line: I'll see if I can get a new set of decals from Tamiya and redo the side and bottom cowls. In any event, I think I'll make this re-build my one "open/naked" motogp bike--especially since I have so many other RCVs done or on the way. In view of this, I'm going to really try to go the extra mile on CFing and PEing the engine and stuff that's usually underneath (except for going the Top Studio super detail up route). I'm about finished with the CF work--my first major go at it, and I have to say, I'm addicted! I love the way it's come out, though a very imperfect first job it is. I wonder what my cell-phone would look like with CF...? Anyway, here are the WIP pics (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2587393810050112770ruGmgz):
:http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/38153/2587393810050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/37887/2902248500050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/36726/2957384800050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/36080/2478243330050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/35881/2149756470050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/38415/2199139590050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/36626/2880026860050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/38104/2574855230050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

The sides on this guard still need CF work:
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/34625/2569457080050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

I couldn't make out exactly what CF, if any, was on the lower tank assembly, but I thought the SMS 1/20 twill weave would make a good contrast:
http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/37350/2552665250050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

I'm only CF-ing the parts that will show-if this is what separates the men from the boy modelers, all I can say is...goo goo.
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/36750/2386208850050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Again, I couldn't tell what if any CF was on the underside of the front cowl/air vent, but I thought the SMS 1/20 twill would look good:
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/37560/2431028910050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/38096/2995461250050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/37700/2211513720050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

A little more CF work needed here--will add the PE mesh when it arrives:
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/36604/2608671510050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Some final misc WIP pics:
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/34732/2841105030050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/38254/2099298690050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

As always, feedback appreciated--the good, the bad, and the ugly? ;-)

The carbon decals look very nice.You really have made an excellent job applying them.

The carbon decals look very nice.You really have made an excellent job applying them.

:iagree:

Nice work Mike. It will be an effort you won't regret.

I'm only CF-ing the parts that will show-if this is what separates the men from the boy modelers, all I can say is...goo goo.
That made me laugh. Wow, what beautiful work you are doing on this. Very cool wip project.

Looks great. Nice work so far!!

Murray

Slow progress lately--a bit under the weather, both literally and figuratively.:bloated: Anyway, I've just about finished withthe CF-ing. Must say, I'm addicted!:rolleyes: . Here's the finished mudguard:
http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/34742/2907370180050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/40164/2049522720050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Here's the finished bottom portion of the tank assembly:
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/38765/2707315160050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/26075/2546226710050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

I also CF-ed the inside of the upper cowling. Don't know if I'll do this again (having said that, it'll probably become a fixed practice with me):
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/19313/2510502760050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/38620/2346638470050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/40314/2312444990050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Since this'll be the only open MotoGP bike on my shelf, and after looking at some ref pics, I also decided to bend and glue on some more spring fasteners:
http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/39756/2730485370050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/35824/2627160870050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/40005/2106112620050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

And, finally, the sanded tires:
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/25642/2010820960050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Now I need to get out of my funk and start airbrushing...:rolleyes:

Excellent work here..... you are a very clean builder!!

DaveT

looking great. Don't forget the sinkholes on the exhaust, since you'll show the bike without the fairing.
:grinyes:

Thanks for the reminder ketje--just puttied 'em.:biggrin:

Well...having said I'm not going to go the Top Studio super detail-up route, I'm going the Top Studio super detail-up route.:grinyes: I've caught the perfectionist bug and want to make this re-build as spot-on realistic as I can. Having said that, I'd really like to NOT have to strip and re-decal the cowls; so does anyone know if Kato (74) rode the late season 2003 (and onwards) bike (with the screamers, etc.)? Since the Top Studio kit is for this bike. I suppose I could just leave as is, since the TS kit also provides for the earlier version as well...choices, choices:rolleyes:

TopStudio details definitely add a lot to the model, but I'm not sure if you're already too deep into this one. Why not just start another one from scratch?

Ole: Heh, heh--that's actually what I'm ending up doing :rolleyes:. This isn't a rebuild anymore--just a new build using the previous, but now repainted cowlings.

BTW (Ole or anyone else), what have you found to work better as a smoke spray on the CF (prior to clear-coating)--enamel or acrylic?

Also--any feedback on the CF clear-coat? Mr Hobby gloss, micro-sol, or Future (I'll be airbrushing, so I guess MR. Hobby's out--I just cannot do the decanting thing:rolleyes: ).

Pics to come...eventually.

I'm exclusively using acrylic paints (exept for lacquer). Enamel just takes too long to dry. I have used either Tamiya X-19 smoke or high diluted flat black on top of CF decals to get them to blend the colors better. Both will work.

As for clear coats, 2 part urethane clear is the best if you airbrush...smelly, but very easy to work with and hard to run. Tamiya X-13 acrylic clear is a good alternative. I would stay away from Future. It runs easily and is very hard to control. I primarily use it when I apply decals on a flat surface.. a bit of Future, decal and then a flat coat, but I would never use it as a final clear. MicroSol and MicroSet are must have for working with decals.

Mr. Hobby gloss is another very forgiving clear. Lays down very smooth and require little polishing, but only available in cans.

Until now I have always used the mr Hobby cans and I think they work great. I thing when you look at my latest model, the cbr1100xx , it speeks for itself.

Ole: what 2-part urethane do you suggest? (Ketje also: ) I've been wanting to try out the Mr Hobby gloss but it's just too cold--have to wait sooo long in the Chicago area--there's a saying here: "only two seasons here--summer and winter," or even better: "two seasons here, construction and winter.":iceslolan Looks like I may just have to do everything else but the clear and put em on the shelf till warmer weather...:frown:

Oh, and I meant micro-gloss, not micro-sol.

I have never used MicroGloss, so I can't comment on it.

The urethane clear I use is called Refinisher's Select. It's a Sherwin-Williams product. Google it and you can find a store near you. Get clear, hardener and thinner.... I bought a quart a couple of years ago, and still have plenty left. It's smelly stuff though, but the finish is beautiful.

Ole: Thanks for info!:grinyes: The Finisher's Select won't eat the decals, will it? How many mist/full coats do you apply?

Never had any decal problems... not a single one. I usually apply 2-3 wetcoats which leave room for polishing if necessary.

so does anyone know if Kato (74) rode the late season 2003 (and onwards) bike (with the screamers, etc.)?

He didn't get the chance... Katoh suffered a fatal crash at the very first race of the 2003 season, at Suzuka. It is in the honour of this talanted rider that many of the other riders rode with the nr 74 badge on the side of the wind shield.

Great progress by the way!
/Joel

Oh! :eek: Thanks Joel. You've helped me settle it, then. I'll definitely stick with Katoh's 74 and the earlier version--save the screamers etc as spare for a future build... Thanks for the encouragement!

Sure ting! I too went with the 74 bike and also did the test version, it's nice to do these special bikes, that has a history in some way.
/Joel

You mean the '02 Test version? I have the MC decals for this (only found em after much searching) and hope to build it very much in the future...perhaps as an all CF bike (I'm not at that stage yet).

Well, as the Teléfonica RCV team entered MotoGP in 2003 and I think the version I built was tested at Sepang I'd say it is a 2003 bike but it is all a matter of semantics. I think we meen the same bike.

Good luck with it anyhow and be careful with those MC decals as they are VERY fragile. And regarding cf or not I'd say that this bike was actually painted black without any CF-pattern visible but I've had arguments on this before and can't say for sure that I am right although all my refs point in that direction.
/Joel

Hi Gents--here's the latest from Mr. Slow-Poke modeler. I've removed and reglued the spring fasteners on the front exhausts 3 times after dry-fitting (kept bumping into the grill). So here it is, finally, before painting--which I really will do...soon:rolleyes: ):
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/14770/2474321930050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/38350/2300901690050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Also, cut/filed off the plastic calipers and dry-fit the TS ones:
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/8360/2802574560050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Finally, finally got some Tamiya Epoxy Putty (Smooth type) and began filling the swingarm. First inserted a 1mm-wide piece of plastic to keep open the inner cavity for the shock absorber:
http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/22373/2743158140050112770S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/37007/2930460900050112770S600x600Q85.jpg

Will have more pics of this smoothed out and primed soon. I also filled the frame, but didn't mix the putty well enough, so I'm re-doing the fill with a spare frame...

BTW, anybody have a pic of the naked top rear exhaust on this or similar bike? I'd like to see how the springs and muffler holder are presented...

Looks really nice - I had some trouble with the TS metal spacers - but hopefully you will be able to avoid it.

I will post the pictures of my spacer troubles later. Good Luck on your build!